KIEV, Ukraine -- Ukrainian public schools will begin teaching about morals
and faith under a new curriculum being developed in part by Orthodox church
leaders.

The voluntary classes will be introduced throughout this predominantly
Orthodox nation of 48 million starting Sept. 1, said Patriarch Filaret, who
heads the Ukrainian Orthodox Church--Kiev Patriarchate.

President Viktor Yushchenko, who is Orthodox, gave his backing to the
project at a private meeting with religious leaders June 15, but his office
said the curriculum must "satisfy all Ukrainians."

Filaret said leaders from all Christian churches in the former Soviet
republic will work together to help develop a curriculum that will include
lessons about morality and creationism. Filaret said Darwin's theory of
evolution should still be taught.

Your message has been successfully submitted and would be delivered to recipients shortly.